5 comments about Planet of the Apes.

1. Saw this movie when it was first released quite a few years ago and I thought it was a good science fiction flick. After seeing it again now I feel that we are one step from living in the Planet of the Apes. Look at the political/ educational/social structure...race...if you don't see it...you're blind.
   shevbia



2. This is a great film, although in some ways a little dated. The chimp protestors and "Don't trust anyone over 30" comment comes to mind. Charlton Heston was terrific in this, playing his role just right in my opinion: "What the Hell would I have to say to an ape?"
   
   Even if you don't like scifi this is a fun movie to watch.



3. I bought this Movie for my Husband, I am not particularly a Planet of the ape fan. It was just what I wanted and I know he enjoyed the movie. For its time in history it was well made, has a good story line and takes you back to another time.



4. In the wake of Charlton Heston's death, I decided to have a marathon viewing of his films. I rewatched many of my favorites and sought out some of those I had never seen.
   
   "Planet of the Apes" is an iconic film and one of my longtime favorites. Heston stars as Taylor, an astronaut who crashes on a planet ruled by talking apes. Here humans are mute and primitive, treated like animals. Taylor is an anomaly that perplexes and frightens the apes (imagine us discovering an intelligent ape who could speak). The scientists want to study him, the superstitious leaders want to destroy him.
   
   Although it may seem like a mindless sci-fi movie on the surface, "Apes" deals with heavy themes like prejudice, social class, and the nuclear threat. With one exception (see next paragraph), it is well written, beautifully shot, and artfully directed. The film is full of great scenes: the astronauts' journey across the hauntingly bleak landscape, the chilling "hunting party" attack, and of course the famous twist ending. The score by Jerry Goldsmith is discordant and clangy, but it creates the perfect mood of otherworldly menace. Heston turns in one of his best performances ("Get your stinking hands off me . . .").
   
   However, for such an intelligent film, there is one ludicrous plot hole: though he believes he is on a planet far from earth, Taylor never once questions why the apes speak perfect English! It is inconceivable that he wouldn't wonder how this "alien" society speaks his language or uses remarkably familiar weapons like rifles.
   
   If you can overlook this error, "Apes" is really an enjoyable film, certainly much better than the misguided 2003 remake. It is a classic of science fiction and a must-see for any Heston fan.



5. Astronauts crash land onto a planet that is ruled by apes. A planet where the apes are at rule, and humans are the underdog. A planet where apes capture humans and use them for game.
   
   I really loved this version of the Planet of the Apes. I actually liked this one better than the 2001 version. (even though it looks more realistic) If you are a planet of the apes fan and liked the 2001 version, you may think well I don't want to see the old version! But this version really isn't that bad!

5 comments about Star Trek - The Motion Picture: The Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Collector's Edition).

1. Often times when a hit TV show makes the jump to the big screen, that show loses one or more key elements of what makes the show a hit in the first place. This was exactly the case with Star Trek: The Motion Picture.
   
   The core of Star Trek: The Original Series was its thought-provoking plots, spectacular action, subtle humor, and character developement. This first motion picture only succeed in one of those areas. Let's quickly examine each of those areas to see where this move succeeded and failed:
   
   Plot: The plot of this movie is a very well-defined script that (without spoiling anything) produces an incredible surprise ending that very few viewers likely saw coming. Essentially, the Enterprise is sent to investigate a strange cloud-like phenomena that is wreaking havoc on the galaxies. While invesigating, they find that the phenomena is more intimately linked to themselves than they could possibly imagine.
   
   Action: While this film contains some spectacular special effects, it ultimately is bogged down by long, and rather boring, periods of pure dialogue. Though some people are amazed by the endless panning shots of the "new" U.S.S. Enterprise, I found it to be way too overdone.
   
   Humor: This aspect that was so popular in the Original Series is severely lacking in this first film. The entire movie has a very serious tone that does not include much witty banter or light moments.
   
   Character Developement: In my mind, the ultimate success of the entire Star Trek franchise hinges on the notion of character developement. By using an ensemble cast, the Original Series was able to develop their auxiliary characters (albeit not as much as they should have!) into important members of the show. This movie, however, focuses too much on "foreign" characters (those not seen in the TV show).
   
   To conclude, while Star Trek: The Motion Picture featured a thought-provoking plot that harkened back to the days of the Original Series, it also strayed too far from the core of that show to be considered a classic film. Even the drab grey/white uniforms conveyed a serious, non-fun feel to the entire picture. If you want to get acclimated to the Star Trek universe, do not start your quest with this film (instead, skip to the second movie). However, if you could care less about the cannon of the show and want to watch a thought-provoking sci-fi film, than you will likely enjoy most aspects of this movie.



2. Often times when a hit TV show makes the jump to the big screen, that show loses one or more key elements of what makes the show a hit in the first place. This was exactly the case with Star Trek: The Motion Picture.
   
   The core of Star Trek: The Original Series was its thought-provoking plots, spectacular action, subtle humor, and character developement. This first motion picture only succeed in one of those areas. Let's quickly examine each of those areas to see where this move succeeded and failed:
   
   Plot: The plot of this movie is a very well-defined script that (without spoiling anything) produces an incredible surprise ending that very few viewers likely saw coming. Essentially, the Enterprise is sent to investigate a strange cloud-like phenomena that is wreaking havoc on the galaxies. While invesigating, they find that the phenomena is more intimately linked to themselves than they could possibly imagine.
   
   Action: While this film contains some spectacular special effects, it ultimately is bogged down by long, and rather boring, periods of pure dialogue. Though some people are amazed by the endless panning shots of the "new" U.S.S. Enterprise, I found it to be way too overdone.
   
   Humor: This aspect that was so popular in the Original Series is severely lacking in this first film. The entire movie has a very serious tone that does not include much witty banter or light moments.
   
   Character Developement: In my mind, the ultimate success of the entire Star Trek franchise hinges on the notion of character developement. By using an ensemble cast, the Original Series was able to develop their auxiliary characters (albeit not as much as they should have!) into important members of the show. This movie, however, focuses too much on "foreign" characters (those not seen in the TV show).
   
   To conclude, while Star Trek: The Motion Picture featured a thought-provoking plot that harkened back to the days of the Original Series, it also strayed too far from the core of that show to be considered a classic film. Even the drab grey/white uniforms conveyed a serious, non-fun feel to the entire picture. If you want to get acclimated to the Star Trek universe, do not start your quest with this film (instead, skip to the second movie). However, if you could care less about the cannon of the show and want to watch a thought-provoking sci-fi film, than you will likely enjoy most aspects of this movie.



3. I just started watching the old Star Trek series about two months ago, and I've grown addicted to it. It's like my Lost. It's just really great TV, cheese and all. I love it. Then it dawned on me that I should be watching the movies. If the series is good, the movies must be great!
   But this movie, not so much. This one is DEFINITELY a renter, man. It is true that it's great to see the intros of the old cast and all, but that aside, the movie is lame in a way I never foresaw. At least half of it is waiting around for stuff to happen, or VERY drawn out displays of the environment. I should really go back and time how long the intro was where they show the Enterprise for the first time. And then the scenes of when they venture inside the alien are all unbearably long. It's a movie that could've easily been condensed into forty minutes worth of substance.
   The effects are good, the characters are decent (though lacking somewhat), the plot is forgivable, the audio is atrocious, and the story just....really takes too long to get told. I was disappointed.



4. This review is for "Star Trek - The Motion Picture: The Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Collector's Edition)," and reflects upon my connections to Star Trek and why I believe it is the best of the movies. It is not a rehash of what is or is not in the film. Other reviews have gone out of their way to provide that "information."
   
   Imagine, if you can, seeing "old friends," with whom you had spent numerous hours intellectualizing and debating, for the first time in over 10 years--because they had inexplicably disappeared! This is what happened for me around 7 December 1979. After years of rumors and slowly waining belief, I sat in front of the big screen in an old fashioned Studio Movie Theater and saw my "old friends." In that theater with me were over fifteen friends, all in awe as the camera slowly and gracefully paid homage to the Starship Enterprise and each of her crew members--our "old friends" were back! We were "in heaven, man!" And we spent all of our college break discussing (and going to see again) "Star Trek: The Motion Picture."
   
   Now, imagine after another 22 years, seeing those "old friends" show up "looking" far better--and the way you imagined they should have appeared when you saw them again for the first time! If you can imagine this happening, then you will/can truly understand the greatness of "Star Trek - The Motion Picture: The Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Collector's Edition)."
   
   Unabashedly, I must make it clear that starting on 8 September 1966, I became a fanatical, die hard, true blue, crusading fan of what I felt was the greatest television show ever made. On 3 June 1969, after cringing my way through a sloppy third season (a season in which Gene Roddenberry was blocked every step of the way), I, and all the friends I had converted, mourned in seething anger; anger that did not "cool off" until the show began in syndication. In deed, I was such a "true friend" of (the original) Star Trek television show, I was unable to watch any episodes of the Star Trek: The Next Generation television show (despite the fact that Gene Roddenberry was heavily involved) until Leonard Nimoy guest starred. And, again, I must say that my only regret in doing so, was my failure to share the Star Trek world with my son.
   
   And why do I think this is the best of the Star Trek movies--beyond the afore mentioned sentiment? One reason, and one reason only: "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" is the ONLY movie over which the creator and genius behind Star Trek--Gene Roddenberry--had any "true" involvement. While in the final analysis the film is Robert Wise's "baby," Wise has done an extraordinary job of bringing the television show to the theater's big screen--particularly in the beautifully revamped director's cut--that empathetically broadens Roddenberry's vision of Star Trek. No other director (even if they were "open" to such) was provided the same depth of Roddenberry's input, as that of "Star Trek: The Motion Picture." The original release was a great bridge to the wide world of motion pictures, but a bridge that was and (judging by the reviews panning the film) remains ignored. And, despite the fact that "Star Trek - The Motion Picture: The Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Collector's Edition)" does an even better job of presenting that bridge, it seems that today's fans have either never understood or have forgotten what Star Trek is all about: intelligence; compassion; equality and fairness; symbolism and analogy; social awareness; controversy; and wonderful, fun, thought provoking, imperturbable entertainment. Thank you Gene Roddenberry for the wonder of Star Trek. And thank you Robert Wise for trying to guide Star Trek from television to theater. Please know, that at least this reviewer recognizes and is thrilled that you have been given the chance to flush out your vision in "Star Trek - The Motion Picture: The Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Collector's Edition)" as to where our "old friends" should have gone: "...where no man has gone before."
   
   Update--1 July 2008: If this review was not helpful to you, I would appreciate learning the reason(s) so I can improve my reviews. My goal is to provide help to potential buyers, not get into any arguments. So, if you only disagree with my opinion, could you please say so in the comments and not indicate that the review was not helpful. Thanks.



5. I must admit that I did not see Star Trek during its initial run. I was only 4 when it started airing in 1966. I did see it in syndication, and I saw The Animated Series on Saturday mornings. In 1979, my parents brought cable TV into the house, and it was on one of the Los Angeles stations that I saw my first trailer for Star Trek - The Motion Picture. I thought the Enterprise looked gorgeous. So when that December came, I saw the film in the theatre. It looked like Star Trek - all the people were there, the ship was there (and nicely updated), the basic premise of Star Trek was there. But it didn't quite feel like Star Trek. I still devoured it - it was Star Trek, which meant to me that it was still better than the vast majority of junk which showed up on TV and movie screens at the time (and still persists to this day, although SF/Fantasy has made great strides).
   
   Then came the Extended Edition on VHS. Yes, the added special effects were very nice, but it still didn't feel like Star Trek.
   
   This edition - Star Trek - The Motion Picture: The Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Collector's Edition) - finally gives Robert Wise the chance to do what he wanted to back in 1979 - finish the film he started making. Gone are the Red Alert "beeps" and silly computer voice-overs ("Intruder Alert! Intruder Alert! Location - a sonic shower."), and in its place is dialogue and the familiar Red Alert Klaxon (albeit not as strident as in the series). The editing has been tightened up and effects put in place to remind you that you're on a starship in space. All minor tweaks to the film. That's what it needed.
   
   After 22 years, Star Trek - The Motion Picture finally feels like Star Trek, even while holding to Gene Roddenberry's initial vision of Star Trek as shown in "The Cage" as opposed to the remaining episodes. It's not the best film in the series, but it's not the worst, either, and its success at the box office paved the way for the film series. This is definitely the edition to get.

5 comments about Minutemen.

1. I was surprised that this modest-budget, made for tv movie turned out to be one of the most entertaining comedies I've seen in a long time!! It was like a time-travel trip for me, transporting me back to those good ol' school days when all types of people were brushing shoulders and had to find ways to get by, before the worlds of adult segregation provide solutions for these social problems, of which high school is a microcosm.
   
   The fact is that this film is smartly written, fast-paced, and has truly outstanding performances by its lead actors (and some of the supporting characters as well). Although it resorts to some "technobabble," intelligent viewers will quickly recognize the representations here and will, like me, probably feel right at home amidst the portrayals and characters. The script is a comedic one and I doubt anyone who understands the point of the film will complain about the fantastic nature of the "science" here. This film, rather, is of the type that will provide inspiration and moral support for intelligent young audiences, and affirmation and entertainment for older audiences looking back at youth with fond remembrance.
   
   This is a true character-oriented comedy at heart (and it does also have a lot of heart!) and every Hollywood filmmaker should be FORCED to watch this movie as a lesson in what the COMEDY GENRE should be about! The film rarely resorts to the sort of pratfall antics that pervade other contemporary fare, and when such portrayals occur, there tends not to be the presumption that injury and misfortune are inherently funny. This is a good-hearted film for good, intelligent people. It's target audience will probably find it to be totally delightful!
   
   And others who don't find it so? ... well, they're probably not in the intelligent clique, anyway and just can't (or refuse to) understand.
   
   This film is a welcome breath of fresh air and honesty amidst so many other fear/macho-oriented pop culture products. Sometimes they really do make 'em like they used to! :-)
   
   And heck! If the quality of the characters and cast can be maintained (or this original cast retained), why not turn this into a tv series or a set of sequels!? This is the type of film that truly deserves to be a smash hit! It's got things to say, but does it with good humor, fast wit, and character-oriented STYLE!!
   
   Bravo!!



2. Jason Dolley fans eagerly awaited the Disney Channel premiere of Minute Men last year, and were not disappointed. Neither were parents like us, who found the film entertaining with plenty of twists and turns in the tried-and-true time travel genre.
   
   Using Disney Channel's trusty "Archie" storytelling model, this movie chronicles the adventures of three high school misfits, one of whom finds a way to travel into time just enough to solve problems. Dolley, whose character in this film is a little more savvy than his "Newt" persona, uses the device to become popular and so doing, loses what is really important. Everyone learns a valuable lesson and all is well.
   
   Like so many of these films, the young stars benefit from strong support from fine actors including J.P. Manoux, known to prime-time grownups as Henshaw, the cranky surgeon on "E.R.," and to cartoon fans as the voice of Kuzco on "The Emperor's New School."
   
   There's also a groovy (oh I am sooooo old) music video with the talented Corbin Bleu of "High School Musical" and "Jump In."



3. It is family-safe for young children. It deserves 4-stars for this. But it does not hold the attention of adults, it deserves a 2-stars rating for this.



4. When I gave this movie to my 11 year old niece, she said, "This is my FAVORITE movie!!!" This is one of those rare tween movies that appeal to both boys and girls (unlike High School Musical which seems to target girls). As a parent, I am happy that Disney is making appropriate entertainment for this age group. I think if your kids enjoy "Hannah Montana", "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody", and of course, "Cory in the House", they will certainly like this movie. I enjoyed this one as much or more than most of the Disney Channel Original Movies.



5. This is a great movie for the whole family and it is one that you won't mind watching over again. It's a nice addition to the video collection.

5 comments about The Martian Chronicles.

1. The quality of the DVD is very good. Long story, but it moves along well. A lot better than most TV series that were put out in the 70's. A must for Ray Bradbury fans.



2. Ray Bradbury best work,chessy flick but well worth watching,I consider this to be Rays Bradbury best work and recommend it to anyone,the sets are great and the story will make you think,what if.....



3. if any movie should be remade it,s this one with today,s CG it would be out standing. this movie was made for tv years ago and for it,s time and format, is still a good watch. Rock Hudson was vary conviceing in his portral of a space pionear.Its a vary long but well made movie even for today.I have it in my collection and watch it at least 2 time,s a yeay.



4. Ray Bradbury was truly before his time. The Martian Chronicles keeps the viewers interest and probes the imagination..



5. I enjoyed the miniseries when it was first released and enjoyed just as much watching the DVD, I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone who likes the older style sci/fi.

5 comments about H.G. Wells' First Men in the Moon.

1. This has been one of my favorite movies for many years. Now I can watch it any time!



2. This movie has a special feel to it that is different to your average sci-fi film, helped by the period setting. Simplistic but highly enjoyable.



3. H.G. Wells' First Men in the Moon
   
   The quality of the DVD made this classic sci-fi movie that I originally saw as a kid (I'm now 53 years old) extremely enjoyable to watch. It realy appeared to be superior in quality than the version I saw as a kid. I ordred several more classic sci-fi DVDs but have not had time to view them yet. I hope the quality of those DVDs are as good. If you are a fan of classic sci-fi and/or H.G. Wells, this movie is a must to own.



4. I have always loved these old Harry Haussen movies. As soon as I can purchase all, I will.
   If you are a fan, the price for these movies are worth it!



5. This is a science fiction classic!! with very minimal special effects, but Good acting! One you'll want to have in your collection if you are a fan of the older science fiction movies!

5 comments about The Time Machine.

1. This is just like the 1960 version. With a better face lift after all these years. The movie makers did a very good job with this movie. Its definitely a great movie for its time.



2. this is not even close to orsen wells first one, it uses different people who cant compare to acting skills, only special effects are good the rest i wouldnt pay one dollar to watch this moive again



3. Synopsis: When Alexander Hartdegen, a brilliant young inventor and visionary loses his true love on the night of his wedding proposal he becomes obsessed with the idea of time travel. Defying the "Order of Things", he builds a time machine in a vain attempt to change the past and save his beloved. When he discovers he is unable to alter what has already happened he flees into the future in search of the reason why events must remain as they are.
   
   What he discovers is a world in the aftermath of cataclysmic destruction where two distinct races, one living above the ground, the other below, have evolved from the ruin. While this brave new world initially appears to be a New Eden he soon discovers that the old law of survival of the fittest still rules. Will Alexander finally uncover the answer to his question and learn to live once again and can one man from the distant past make a difference in this brave new world? Only time will tell.
   
   Critique: I must say I was surprised, no more like stunned. to see that the average rating for the '02 remake `The Time Machine' is only -3 Stars-. OK, I can understand and appreciate the H.G. Wells purists who like to see a storyline remain true to its original source, so there are some valid reasons for their less than enthusiastic feelings about this cinematic re-visioning.
   
   However once you move beyond that and embrace the changes you'll discover that this is a beautiful production in every way. The visuals are amazing, the acting solid, the soundtrack inspiring and unforgettable and the storyline surprisingly intelligent, even profound at times.
   
   While the original concerns of H G. Wells classic have been replaced by other issues, it is still a thought provoking and entertaining film nevertheless.
   
   My Rating: -4 ½ Stars-.



4. I'm not sure how anyone can write a positive review of this movie. OK, I take that back. The only good thing going for this movie are some of the visually stunning sequences. I'll save you from an over-elaborate plot description other than a mourning professor builds a time machine and tries to save the woman he loves, instead finding himself 800,000 years in the future where the human species has split into two after the disintegration of the moon - the hunters and the hunted. The movie is poorly and woodenly acted and I'm truly astonished a studio paid money to make this film...



5. This movie made me want to invent a time machine, travel back in time, and prevent myself from seeing this movie.

5 comments about Robinson Crusoe on Mars - Criterion Collection.

1. What I like so much about Robinson Crusoe on Mars is its no nonsense approach. Even though it takes place on Mars it is very much about human problems, about the need for self-sufficiency and the equally compelling need for companionship. The astronaut spends most of the first half of the film just trying to work out the problem of how to live on Mars -- and it holds my attention throughout. Once he has solved that problem, his real problem is how to live alone. He needs a companion, someone to talk to, a friend (and something more than a monkey). Once he finds his friend there is a bit of artificial drama that comes from the fact that his former captors in their alien spacecraft want him back, but that is really secondary to the process of their coming to trust and care about and take care of each other.
   
   Apart from the gripping story -- that kept my kids and I captivated throughout -- the visuals are gorgeous and magical. It is really quite impressive that the filmmakers were able to turn images of the California desert (combined with surreal matte painting and lighting) into an alien landscape. This is a fun movie, and it is beautifully restored by Criterion.



2. Given the rather overwhelming number of five-star reviews, I thought perhaps I should at least register my somewhat less ebullient response to this movie -- not to spoil anyone's fun, but merely as a point of balance.
   
   When I rented the (beautifully transferred) Criterion DVD of "Robinson Crusoe on Mars", I secretly hoped I had discovered a sci-fi sleeper/gem. It really had everything working in its favor. The plot line and literary parallel intrigued me, and I had once read something positive about this seldomly mentioned film. Well, as in real-world geology, I discovered that true gems are rare.
   
   My own conclusion is that RCOM is a type of cult film (nothing wrong with that), perfect for a certain sort of science-fiction viewer (I won't attempt here to describe them). For me, though, the level of interest, involvement, and 'credibility' just never rose too high on the thermometer. I certainly didn't hate it (I'd give it 3 1/2 stars if I could), but like I've said I was hoping for something special. I would rate it on a par with some of the better Star Trek TV episodes (original series), though not as good as "The Menagerie" (my favorite installment). And as far as old-time sci-fi flicks go, I would prefer stuff like War of the Worlds, The Fly, The Time Machine, and a few others.



3. I LOVE THIS CLASSIC OUTER SPACE TRIP TO MARS. IN MY VIEW IT IS AN EXCELLENT MOVIE AND ALTHOUGH NOT SCIENTIFICALLY ACCURATE, YOU BELIEVE EVERY BIT OF IT. THE FILM IS EXCELLENT. THE DVD IS WELL WORTH THE PRICE WITH ALL THE EXTRA FEATURES AND INFORMATION PAMPHLET.



4. Robinson Crusoe on Mars is one of the best SciFi films of it era and genre. Drawing as much as possible on the science, technology and expectations of the time, it avoids hokey monsters. The plot is an intense one man/two man story of survival. The script inserts several interesting elements. First rate cinematography, effects and score.



5. I first saw this film at a drive-in years after its release - and it was great watching it play out under the stars. What still makes this film good is the sense it creates of being alone on an alien planet - of being "lost in space" - that I'm not sure any other sf movie has managed to convey as well. Plus, in spite of some inaccuracies in its science, it comes across as a very probable movie, "realistic" as opposed to the space fantasies of the day.
   
   The actors are very good - they took their roles seriously and it shows. I've always been surprised that Paul Mantee never had a big career after this movie - he certainly should have! What went wrong there? (He sure would have made a good Star Trek Captain.)
   
   It's difficult to explain why this show is so addictive, but I think, more than any other movie of its time, it does make you feel how alien, and lonely, space can be.
   
   This one makes my top 10 of SF movies.

5 comments about The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Widescreen Edition).

1. I played this INFOCOM text-only game on my Apple computer back in the 80s and loved it. The English dry-humor really appealed to me.
   
   This version strayed away from the book but remember that Douglas Adams still had his hand in it before he passed away. Even if you are not currently a fan of the movie, this Blu-Ray disk is worth the purchase.
   
   Compared to the standard DVD, the menus are basic and there are fewer special features. I miss the impropability drive option. The film begins automatically after putting it in the player.
   
   There is definite improvement in HD on this film, the special effects are more detailed and you can see features on the actors invisible before (make-up, wrinkles, etc). The sound is great on my 5.1 system!
   
   I think this disk is a worthy upgrade from DVD if you are a fan of the film and watch it regularly. I really think this is a funny film which delivers solid entertainment. My wife and I watch it together at least every couple months. In fact, it was from our watching this movie that I got her to enjoy "Love Actually," (Due to actor Martin Freeman) which you'll have to see to understand my meaning.



2. ...which is why I'm not disappointed that, once again, movie makers were not true to their original source. Movie makers are never true to the original source: why torment yourself thinking it could ever be otherwise? I loved this movie in its own right; though I have to admit I almost abandoned it during the first few minutes, wondering if it was going to be any good or if should I end it now. Happily, I stuck with it - and it was well worth it. And most happily of all, at no point did I think: this doesn't make any sense. Because it made perfect sense; it had an internal coherence and each separate event had an internal logic - which is all you can ask of any movie, no matter how whimsical it might be. It needed no overview to help understand what was happening or why: things just happened, and you either took them at face value or not. Luckily, I chose to take them at face value.



3. The first time I saw this movie I was like what the hell was that. But after the 3rd or 4th time watching it I love it. Some parts are so funny and Zooey Deschannel cant be hotter. This is a very sci fi movie and funny as hell if you like sci fi.



4. THIS IZ PROBABLY ONE UV THEE BEST MOOVIEZ I HAV EVR SEEN!
   MY FAVORITE PART IS WHEN A WHALE STARTS FALLING AFTER THE SHIP GOES AT LIGHT SPEED OR SOMTIN. THEN HES NAMING STUFF LIKE A TAIL, WIND AND THEN HE SAYS, "WHAT IS THIS HARD SURFACE FLYING TOWARD ME VERY, VERY FAST.
   I THINK I'LL CALL IT OU...OUND...ROUND...GROUND! YES THAT'S IT! GROUND!
   I WONDER IF IT WILL BE FRIENDS WITH ME. HELLO GROUND!" AND THEN HE HITS THE GROUND VERY HARD. WHILE THAT IS HAPPENING ALL THAT THE FLOWERPOT IS
   THINKING IS, "OH, NOT AGAIN." YOU'D HAVE 2 C DA MOOVIE THOUGH. IN OTHER WORDS IT IS HILARIOUS!



5. Douglas Adams did indeed write almost all of this script, people who are not aware of Mr. Adams general character may not be aware that he has INTENTIONALLY made every version of Hitchhikers different. The Radio series was first and is different from the books which in turn is different than the BBC TV mini seires and so on and so on. He did this on purpose he has been quoted as saying he did not want to keep retelling the same story he wanted to change things and add new things each time he did the story.
   And for most people that may not work for you, for me as a looong time Adams fan I appreciate his desire. I mean who wants to keep telling the same story over and over again? SO he plays with it, he always has and were he still alive I feel sure he would still be making changes, just to piss so called purists off. Since there truely is no one pure version of Hitchhikers.
   So enjoy, or not that's your choice but don't assume Adams had little to do with this film because you would be wrong.

5 comments about Magnificent Desolation - Walking on the Moon (IMAX).

1. Disappointing. I had hoped for actual photos and images from the Apollo missions, but found mostly computer generated images. The best real stuff, and the majority of it, is in the end credits. The bonus material is anemic. If you are looking for something to get pre-teens excited about going back to the moon, show them this. If you are someone that grew up in the early days of space travel, as I did, don't waste you time or money.



2. For all those who "believe" that man didn't go to the moon, see this movie and get educated. This is the best documentary on the moon missions that I have see and I really admire Tom Hanks and Mark Cowen for making this DVD possible. I also recommend "In the Shadow of the Moon".



3. I went to see this movie at the pink palace IMAX in memphis and it was fantastic, I remember commenting after the show how it would be great on dvd and worthy of purchase. It was educational and had some great humor as well.



4. I saw this at an IMAX theater. I was hoping for real film of real astronauts. But it is almost all computer graphics which are not even all that good in a rather contrived 'docudrama' format. In addition the science is 'gradeschool' level stuff. You would be better off spending your money on 'Full Moon'. Its a book but the images are the real deal.



5. I have dreamed about space travel and going to the Moon for much of my life. This film is quite imaginative and exhilirating.
   
   I took my kids to see the IMAX version- we all were stunned silent by the drama that unfolded. You can read about this story many times, but actually feeling it is different.
   
   -Tahir Rahman, author of We Came in Peace for all Mankind: the untold story of the Apollo 11 silicon disc

5 comments about Everest (Large Format).

1. A few reasons why this didn't do much for me:
   
   After reading "Into Thin Air," this seemed kind of superfluous. Krakauer did such a great job of describing everything in his book that I could visualize everything already. This film ended up being just like a slideshow.
   
   The narration (by Neeson and by the climbers) is so trite and insipid that it reminds me of the kind of films they used to show me in grade school science class. Oh--there is an insipid musical score to match the narration.
   
   I guess this would have been MUCH better as shown in an actual IMAX theater. On DVD it just looks like a slideshow or powerpoint presentation. There was only one or two scenes in the whole film that made me say "wow" out loud.
   
   The way they glossed over the famous disaster (the one that occurred while they filming, mere hundreds of feet away from them) seemed ridiculously inconsequential. It is almost as if they were going for a strict "G" rating.
   
   The special features on the DVD are about 5 times more entertaining than the film itself.
   
   Sorry folks, I was really disappointed with this film.
   
   Now, as far as a film that does a great job of capturing the experience (good and bad) I would highly recommend "Everest: The Death Zone." It is everything that this film should have been.



2. "Everest" has some beautiful shots and is generally of high quality, but it really simplifies the climbers' perspectives in most of the interviews. What is amazing, however, is the interview with one of the climbers who was in one of the groups affected by the storm. He explains what it is like to believe that you are dead, and how he dealt with the amputation of both of his hands (due to frostbite).
   
   It's suitable for a wide range of audiences and the shots are incredible, but not on par with Blue Planet or Winged Migration. If you are looking for a quality documentary and do not have specific subject matter in mind, I would recommend them instead.



3. Would have loved to have seen this when it came out in I-Max. Great profile of David Breashears.



4. The reason for three stars instead of five is because this DVD is only about 45 minutes in length. I wanted more. There is the possibility that it was cut short in order to assist in saving lives on Mt. Everest during the 1996 Disaster. If I knew that to be the case I would change my rating to 5 stars with no regrets. I would liked to have seen more filming at the different camps along the way to the summit. Excellent filming but way too short in length and information.



5. this is a MUST NOT buy. the commentary sounds as if it were written by a teenager. the story -too short- spends too little time on the climb and too much on extraneous matters. climbing mt. everest is a horrendously difficult task but this movie makes it appear not too hard. there are a few scenes of climbing and though i accept the photos taken at the summit are real, all the others could have been taken anywhere there was snow and ice. if this is the best these movie makers could do, they should look for another day job.
   unfortunately my copy, new, was bothered by a sound track with bad hum and noise, so loud that at times the commentary, thankfully, could not be heard.
   this is not recommended for adding to anyone's collection.